Minnesota DNR Allocates $1M for Community Forestry Grants, 2024

TL/DR –

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has announced $1 million in competitive grants to improve urban and community trees across the state, supported by the U.S. Forest Service’s Inflation Reduction Act funding. The funding is intended to support underrepresented communities in decision-making, and to help address environmental challenges such as pollution exposure and limited access to green spaces. Nonprofits, grassroots efforts, neighborhood associations, community groups, volunteer organizations, governments, educational institutions, and other nonprofits can apply for grants of up to $100,000, with applications due October 28.

Minnesota DNR Announces $1M in Grants for Urban and Community Trees

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is offering $1 million in competitive grants for the improvement of urban and community trees, supported by the U.S. Forest Service’s Inflation Reduction Act funding. These grants, known as the Centering Communities in Canopy Solutions, aim to engage communities in the planning, execution, and assessment of urban and community forestry projects. They are particularly targeted at communities that are underrepresented in decision-making processes and face environmental hardships such as increased pollution exposure and limited access to trees and green spaces.

Molly Codding, the DNR’s community environmental justice coordinator, emphasizes the importance of urban and community forests for the health and prosperity of our neighborhoods. Codding sees this grant program as a way to enhance tree canopies and align them with community priorities. The ultimate goal is to bring about lasting impacts on the health of urban and community forests by involving the community in canopy solutions.

Eligibility and Application for the Canopy Solutions Grants

These grants are primarily meant to support place-based nonprofits, community groups, and volunteer organizations in eligible communities across Minnesota. Governments, educational institutions, and other nonprofits may also apply, but they must partner with a place-based organization in an eligible community. The grants may be used for a range of purposes, including staff time, event materials, community outreach, environmental education, tree planting and care, and the development of stewardship management plans.

Organizations can apply for grants up to $100,000, with no matching funds required. Applications are due by October 28. The DNR has also organized six in-person grant application sessions across the state in September and October, with the first session set for September 23. More details on these sessions and the grant program can be found on the DNR website.

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